Honda HR-V is expected to launch in Diwali 2019.
Hyundai Creta rival Honda HR-V is all set to launch by Diwali this year and the test mule has now been spotted on Indian roads. The 5-seater premium mid-size SUV will sit between the 7-seater BR-V and Honda CR-V when launched.
The camouflaged car completely hides its design but the facelifted HR-V which is launched globally get some neat design. It looks like a small CR-V, in terms of design the body carries a coupe-like silhouette. The exteriors will see new LED headlamps along with all LED taillights. The car now sits on new 17-inch alloy wheels.
The interiors will see a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth compatibility will also be offered onboard. Other features like a large panoramic sunroof, leather seat covers, automatic climate control will be included.
Also Read: Made-In-India Honda Amaze Scores 4-Stars In Global NCAP Crash Test
Safety features like dual airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors and seat belt warning will be made standard across all variants. However, the top-trims may see the electronic stability program (ESP), more airbags and other features.
Honda HR-V will be brought into India through completely knocked down (CKD) route and will be assembled at its Greater Noida plant. The premium SUV will use the same powertrain as available in Civic. The 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine churns 140 bhp of power along with 174 Nm of peak torque. This will be able to satisfy the Indian market.
The 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel motor generates 120 bhp with a healthy torque of 300 Nm. If the power delivery is less, Honda may tune up the engine for more power to rival with its competition. However, this will drop the ARAI certified fuel efficiency which is 26.8 kmpl.
Honda HR-V is expected within a price bracket of Rs 15 lakh – 17.4 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Once launched, it will compete against the likes Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and Renault Captur. However, with the price bracket being so high, it could also target the lower trims of Jeep Compass and MG Hector.
Recently Honda Cars India Ltd. made a statement that it will continue selling diesel engines in India post-BS-VI norms. Honda currently sells two diesel engines, the 1.5-litre and a bigger 1.6-litre engine. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is seen in Honda City, WR-V, Amaze and Jazz while the latter is seen with Civic, CR-V and the upcoming HR-V.
Also Read: Honda Recalls 1.37 Lakh CR-V In USA, South Korea & Canada – Details
With the new BS-VI emission norms which will take place in April 2020, diesel cars will become costlier than now and moreover, many automakers are thinking to phase out smaller diesel engines from their portfolio. Tata already has ruled out a statement that it will production of diesel cars for Tiago, Tigor, Zest and Bolt will end. It is because manufacturing BS-VI compliance diesel engine for smaller cars is a costly affair in itself so most carmakers will boycott it.
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